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japanese

How to Add Touches of Japan to Your Home Design?

November 30, 2018
Robert Clayton
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The modern lifestyle of consumerism has resulted in our tendency to clutter our lives, as well as our homes. Embracing a Japanese-inspired design will help you relinquish this overwhelming habit and turn to tranquillity and peacefulness. Japanese style is characterised by elegant simplicity and minimalism, which creates a unique ambience of serenity in a home. Its distinctive Zen vibe will not only make your space more open and balanced, but also inspire you to adopt a more mindful lifestyle. Therefore, if you want to turn your home into a tranquil sanctuary, you should welcome Japanese principles of design.

The living room transformation

A Japanese-inspired living room should exude a sense of elegance that stems from moderation and simplicity. A soft palette of muted natural colours is the perfect choice for your Zen living room. You should embrace soft cream, charming beige, rich brown, light green and subtle grey to create a calming atmosphere. When it comes to furniture, you should go a with low, simple design with modern, clean lines. Floor cushions, Shoji screens, sliding doors and simple lighting fixtures are all commonly used in Japanese-inspired spaces. As for decorations, you should stay moderate, focusing on origami-style embellishments, bonsai trees and houseplants. Origami figures are a major part of Japanese tradition and there are plenty of creative ideas that will help you introduce it into your home.

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Simplicity in the kitchen

Functionality, minimalism and simplicity are some of the main Japanese principles that you should introduce into your kitchen. Your space should be open and airy, with a functional and convenient design. Wood, natural stone and metal are all beautiful material options that you can use for giving your Zen kitchen an organic touch. Nature is deeply rooted in Japanese interior design, so you should use herbs and houseplants to decorate and freshen up your space. You can also display lovely ceramic kitchenware collections, especially those with innate imperfections. This will help you capture the beauty of wabi-sabi, a Japanese philosophy of embracing all things transient and imperfect.

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The peaceful bathroom retreat

In Japanese interior design, the bathroom is the place for rejuvenation and relaxation, filling you with revitalising energy. As such, it exudes peacefulness, serenity and simple elegance and features a design that incorporates natural materials, such as wood and stone. It’s important that you soothe and appeal to all of your senses, so make sure to introduce essential oils, bath salts and meditative background music. A soaking tub is one of the most distinctive characteristics of Japanese-inspired bathrooms. You can even design a Japanese-style sauna where you can relax and enjoy quiet meditation.

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The bedroom of serenity

As another place for relaxation and rest, your bedroom should have an atmosphere of simplicity and tranquillity. A subtle, neutral colour scheme of pale blues, soft greys and gentle beiges will help you relieve all the stress and tension. Once again, focus on clean, simple lines and a low design when it comes to your bedroom furniture and remember that functionality comes first. You should cover your floors with traditional Japanese tatami mats made of rice straw. Lighting also plays a crucial role in creating a soothing, gentle atmosphere. You should introduce lighting fixtures with a soft glow that will create a play of shadow and light. Choose fixtures made of wood, parchment, natural silk, porcelain and glass.

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The Zen garden

Japanese interior design encourages establishing a sense of unity with nature, which is why outdoor spaces are as important as the interior. A Japanese-style garden features simple structures that help create a natural, organic look. A water feature is essential in such an environment, contributing to the peaceful atmosphere. If possible, you should design a koi pond with a lovely bridge. Gravel, stones and bamboo are the most dominant materials in a Zen garden. As for plants, Japanese maple, phillyrea, conifers, bamboo, nandina, fatsia, camellias and flowering cherries are just some of the enticing options.

We all need to free ourselves from clutter that overtakes our homes and our lives. The simplicity and moderation of Japanese style will help us get rid of unnecessary items and find out what we really need in everyday life.

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Kitchen Renovation: Create a Japanese-Style Kitchen on a Budget

May 1, 2018
cooper klein
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There are numerous popular trends in kitchen design currently, but it seems that the Japanese style has been a favourite choice of many world-famous designers for quite some time. Therefore, it’s not surprising that more and more people from all around the world are decorating their kitchens in this recognisable manner. So, if you also want to follow the latest trends and think that it’s the right time for a kitchen redecoration, go for it! We’ve prepared a list of some practical ideas that will definitely help you achieve this without breaking the bank.

Wabi-sabi aesthetic


The two most recognisable concepts in the Japanese style are Wabi and Sabi. They basically represent a type of style that appreciates imperfection, simplicity, natural elements and asymmetry. In other words, their approach is often minimalist and the kitchen decor is characterised by the presence of clean finishes without too many details and a balanced use of different shapes and materials. Finally, if you want to create the authentic feel of a classic Japanese kitchen, don’t forget to include a few ornate accessories that will certainly add that final touch to it.

Wood is the no. 1 material


It’s almost impossible to find a true Japanese kitchen without at least one wooden piece, be that a fabulous timber cabinet or an oak countertop. The main reason for this is that Japanese people value natural elements above anything else since they can create a warm and inviting atmosphere in the entire house. Additionally, feel free to experiment with other natural elements like stone and wicker since they will definitely make your kitchen and your home look much more sophisticated and luxurious. Finally, the best thing about natural materials is that they are extremely affordable and very low-maintenance so you won’t have to spend hours scrubbing your kitchen floor and cabinets.

Shibui principle


Another famous principle of the Japanese design is shibui and it preaches modesty as the basic characteristic of a nicely-decorated kitchen. For example, instead of overcrowding the place with too many details, Japanese people like to keep it simple. Furthermore, large sinks have become a symbol of this style since they serve as a main focal point whose task is to break the monotony, but still preserve that simple feel of the traditional Japanese design. Having this in mind, it’s not surprising that more and more Australians are incorporating this trademark into their Japanese-inspired kitchens as well.

Decluttering is the key


If you don’t know where to begin the redecoration process, we advise you to start by decluttering your old kitchen. Make sure to get rid of all those unnecessary items that you never use since you can’t call your kitchen a Japanese-inspired one unless it’s sparkling clean. This is extremely important since the Japanese believe that it’s crucial to create a Zen space which will allow one to relax and get in touch with one’s inner self. Unfortunately, messiness simply doesn’t go well with this kind of a spiritual lifestyle, so make sure to take this task seriously and keep only the things that you really need.

Go green


Finally, considering how much the Japanese culture values the nature, it’s absolutely understandable why their kitchens are full of greenery as well. So, if you want to follow in their footsteps, make sure to pick out your favourite flowers and place them all around the house including your beautiful kitchen. Additionally, nicely-decorated pots will also serve as decoration and add some playfulness to the kitchen interior design. What’s best, if you’re into pottery or painting, you can express your creativity and make these on your own. This way, you’ll have something absolutely unique that all your friends will admire.
As you can see, turning your average-looking kitchen into a beautiful Japanese-designed one is a piece of cake and you definitely won’t need to break the bank in order to achieve this. You just need to keep things simple and opt for natural elements that will help you strike that perfect balance and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere while cooking.

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Introducing Japandi – The Latest Interior Design Trend

March 17, 2017
Emma K Loftus
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If you were following interior design trends, you’ve definitely noticed the rising popularity of Japandi. This mix of Japanese and Scandinavian décor manages to tone down the extreme characteristics of both of these styles. By combining a minimalist, sleek and nature-fused theme with bold statement pieces, Japandi quickly managed to earn the title of a timeless trend. As it breaks the strict rules of the cold Nordic design and Zen-inspired environment, Japandi presents the best of both worlds. That’s why Japandi is so easy to introduce in any home.

1. Color palette

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Between the bright and exaggeratedly cold color scheme of Scandinavian style, and warm wood from the Japanese, Japandi makes a perfect common ground when it comes to color palette. In general, cooler pastel shades of pink, gray and green are warmed up with earthy details and wooden elements. You can mix these up however you want, just make sure that you can achieve the perfect balance between the two very different – yet complementary – color ranges. Pops of color can be introduced here and there as long as they don’t break the harmony and the minimalistic approach to the design.

2. Bold simplicity

Three words that could best describe this design are simple, functional and impactful. There’s no room for clutter in the Japandi home. Every object needs to have its place and purpose. Still, what makes Japandi so popular is probably the fact that furniture pieces themselves act as bold, statement accessories.

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Using raw forms in furniture design with very sharp and sleek lines minimizes the need of other décor details. Mixing and matching industrial-like pieces with rich timber or bamboo creates a very unique take on a modern and timeless décor.

3. Introducing accessories

Japandi style should look very clean, but warm and pleasant at the same time. These two features seem pretty contradictory, but they’re far from impossible to achieve. Even though you should keep accessories to the minimum, this doesn’t mean that you should completely avoid them. Curtains, rugs and decorative cushions can effectively break the overwhelming coldness of Scandinavian influence. Still, make sure to have plenty of natural sunlight as this is the main characteristic of both styles.

4. Plenty of greenery

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While you can use photo frames, paintings and figurines as additional touches to your overall décor, Japandi relies on the use of plants the most. Instead of using flowers and really colorful foliage for your interior, stick to the Zen theme. Bold simplicity is evident in this aspect as well. Opt for tall plants with sleek and elegant leaves that would draw attention with their strong presence and simple form. Of course, make sure that plant pots go well with your overall theme.
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5. Best ways to mix and match

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There are many ways you can mix and match the Scandinavian and Japanese décor in order to achieve the balanced Japandi look. Colors, materials as well as furniture’s height and form are ideal starting points. For example, you can use cooler pastel shades for your walls, yet install wooden flooring. Feel free to mix statement wooden coffee tables with urban chairs and sofas. Introduce earthy elements with accessories such as curtains and cushions. Keep the rug warm yet minimalist by choosing a fuzzy material in plain color. You can also experiment with asymmetrical height of furniture pieces in order to break the monotony of the layout.

As it leaves room for more warmth without disturbing the minimalist design, the fact that Japandi interior movement took the world by storm  hardly comes as a surprise. Even though it still has its décor rules and guidelines, this design leaves more room for customization compared to the very specific Scandinavian and Japanese design trends.

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How to Design a Japanese-Styled Bedroom

October 27, 2015
Lana Hawkins
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Minimalism is in this season in the world of interior design, and a style that is often quoted as the landmark example in this décor category is the Japanese art of Zen. Characterized by natural materials, barebones layouts and simple lines, Japanese design focuses on function and free energy flow rather than luxury and visual interest. If you want to transform your bedroom into a private Zen haven, there are several adjustments you will have to make, including choice of colors, fabrics and boudoir furniture, as well as lighting options and accessories.

Colors

To render a Zen ambiance to your bedroom, go with soft, natural colors that have a calming effect. Gentle, neutral tones such as white, cream, beige or light bamboo will make an excellent wall paint choice, while the furnishings should be in brown, grey or subdued green tones. Visual distractions and multitude of colors are not conducive to de-stressing, resting and energy flow, so try to maintain a consistent color scheme throughout the room. Use bold and bright shades only if necessary, e.g. as accents in Japanese drapes or wall art.

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Furniture

In a Zen bedroom, balance, openness and stability are vital, so keep your furniture minimal and low to the ground. For best visual effects, pick elements that have a minimal monochromatic design and clean lines. The focus in Japanese décor rests on the essential rather than lavish, so your bedroom should feature only the indispensable furnishings such as a platform bed (a thick mattress placed directly on the floor will do the trick equally well), a short-leg coffee table and unpretentious wardrobe or a drawer dresser. Avoid clustering furniture to create a fresh, airy atmosphere favored in the East.

Lighting

Illumination plays an important role in a Japanese bedroom, and the best light source for a Zen-styled home is natural light. For ample sunlight, install large windows and keep the curtains pulled back – this will make the room more welcoming and create an optimal unity of the outdoor area and the room interior. Artificial light sources such as pendant shades and nightstand lamps should be employed cautiously and if their use is necessary, they should be concealed to achieve a minimalist, non-Western look. Standing floor lamps with wooden bases and spherical paper lanterns in natural colors, however, are generally acceptable as they are common in Japanese bedrooms.

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Fabrics

For a Japanese feel in the boudoir, make use of organic fabrics such as cotton and silk. Get linens and curtains in natural, light colors or using unbleached textiles. Dark blue materials are also well-suited to the Zen style in case you want to add an accent tone to the room. Standard floor coverings should be replaced by a tatami mat, a traditional Japanese rug crafted from compressed rice straws. For visual interest, throw in a couple of decorative cushions or bed covers with Japanese embroidery simulations.

Accessories

The Japanese style is predominantly minimalist, but a few practical accessories can help achieve a homely atmosphere in the bedroom. A Shoji screen made from a bamboo or wooden frame and translucent paper or hand-painted silk panel will add a dash of authentic Japan to your private area while helping you conceal the bed, an unsightly pile of clutter or the TV (if you truly cannot go without it in your sleeping premises). Other potential Zen accessories include bonsai trees, ikebana arrangements, pot pourri boxes, silk curtains, floor pillows and art paintings with swallows, cherry blossom or similar nature-inspired designs.

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If your lifetime dream is to visit Japan, perhaps a Zen feel at home can tide you over until you save up enough money to travel to the East. Follow these simple tips and transform your master bedroom into your private cradle of Japanese harmony, peace and elegance.

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Smooth Decorator is a website dedicated to our little sanctuaries from the hustle and bustle of the outside world – to our homes, sweet homes. We believe that the foundation of a quality life needs to be set right there, in the place where we first dream things up, and that only when we organized our homes can we hope to organize the rest of our everyday existence.

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